NEWS ------ Edited by Tim Smith --------------------- THE NEXT GENERATION ญญญญญญญญญญญญญญญญญญญ Fans have generally been disappointed with the quality of The Next Generation in it's sixth season. Shared production staff with Deep Space Nine and some poor scripts seem to be the root cause of the problem. However, recent events are beginning to indicate a change in fortunes for the show. Some new staff have been hired, and although it has resulted in the show falling behind schedule, the episode quality appears to be improving. First of these is a two-part adventure, aired over the 12th and 19th December called "Chain Of Command". Thankfully not based on the rather dodgy novel, it in fact features an undercover mission to Cardassian space by Picard, Crusher and Worf. Whilst Picard is away, a new captain takes control of the Enterprise. Unfortunately for Riker, he has a very different view of how to run the ship. This results in Riker's demotion and his being banned from the bridge! Guest stars include Ronny Cox and Trek stalwart, David Warner. Other episodes we can look forward to include "Ship In A Bottle" which involves the crew's efforts to bring Moriarty (from "Elementary, Dear Data") out of the holodeck. As well as this, there might well be another episode involving Lore and another involving Q. However, the episode most fans will be looking forward to is another two- parter. Called "Birth Right", it focuses on Worf. Whilst on Deep Space Nine, he meets someone who claims that his father is still alive. Is this true, or is it a trap set by old enemies? Finally the news all Next Generation fans have been waiting for. The Next Generation will DEFINATELY go beyond a sixth season. However, not all the stars have signed on for more voyages, so expect some cast changes. DEEP SPACE NINE ญญญญญญญญญญญญญญญ Leaving aside the merchandising, the show itself has now gone on air in the States. The pilot had a very mixed reaction from the critics. Most of them think that the show will have to improve to survive, although it did make the top ten ratings. Stories have featured many guests from The Next Generation. Q, Vash, Picard, and Lursa and B'Etor have all visited the space station, and Lwaxana Troi is also due to make an appearance. Maybe it's time for them to be a little more original? STAR TREK VII ญญญญญญญญญญญญญ Star Trek VII has been given the green light. Filming should hopefully begin in April for a Christmas 1993 release in the USA. Although this may be disrupted somewhat due to The Next Generation being some weeks behind their filming schedule. Several scripts have been considered, but one thing is certain - William Shatner's proposed screenplay will NOT be used. MISCELLANEOUS ญญญญญญญญญญญญญ Trek actors are keeping busy with non-Trek projects. Denise Crosby has filmed a pilot for a series set in Florida called "Key West". John de Lancie appears in another film with Jeff Bridges. After playing a television producer in "The Fisher King", he portrays a friend of one of the main characters in "Fearless". Directed by Peter Weir, it is about two survivors of a plane crash and the effect it has on them. Babylon 5, the "rival" to Deep Space Nine, whose catchphrase is "Beyond the final frontier lies Babylon 5" has cast Andreas Katsulas in it's pilot. Katsulas has played the Romulan Tomalok in The Next Generation. Patrick Stewart has finished a successful run of his one man peformance of "A Christmas Carol" on Broadway. He, of course, starts filming "Annie 2" this year. He plays the role of Daddy Warbucks. Whoopie Goldberg must be the busiest stars of all. "Sarafina", the South African musical is at cinemas throughout the U.K. now. "Made In America", a comedy about artificial insemination (?!) which co-stars Ted Danson should open here later on in the year. As well as these two films, Whoopi has also signed to do "Sister Act 2" (for $6.5 million) and "Ghost 2" (for a humongous $10.5 million)! The stars of Classic Trek are also finding things to do. William Shatner co- stars in National Lampoon's "Loaded Weapon", a spoof of the "Leathal Weapon" films. Also expect a cameo appearance by Jimmy Doohan. Leonard Nimoy is behind the cameras once more as he directs a six part television series called "Deadly Games". A mini series about video game characters who come to life. A blend of animation and live action, "Pagemaster" will unite the original series, the movies and The Next Generation. Christopher Lloyd (Krugge in Star Trek III), Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart and, yet again, Whoopi Goldberg all star.